SV Darmstadt 98 have continued the process of strengthen their squad with the acquisition of Ukrainian winger Denys Oliynyk from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.

The exact terms of the deal, including the length of his contract, have not been disclosed by the club, although they have said he will wear the number 22.

He is the club’s seventh signing of the summer, and is also the third offensive player and second Ukrainian international to join the Lilies ahead of their second season back in the Bundesliga.

Success in both Ukraine and the Netherlands                  

The 29-year-old started his career with Dynamo Kiev, but he failed to make an impact there and was sent out on loans to Naftovyk-Ukrnafta Okhtyrka and Arsenal Kiev before making a move to Metalist Kharkiv in 2009.

He flourished there, scoring 25 goals in 89 appearances, along with eight assists. He initially continued that form with Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk once he moved there in 2011, with 42 appearances producing nine goals and five assists, but fell completely out of favour in his final season there.

In the Netherlands he had another productive two-year spell with Vitesse, scoring ten times and creating nine over 61 appearances in all competitions.

He also has 12 caps for his national side, but his last appearance came last September, and he was not part of their UEFA Euro 2016 campaign.

Friends reunited? | Photo: SV Darmstadt 98
Friends reunited? | Photo: SV Darmstadt 98

Reunited with former teammate Fedetsky

As the club announced his signing, sporting director Holger Fach described Oliynyk as “a fast, agile player, who further strengthens our attack for the coming season.”

Oliynyk meanwhile revealed that he had “always dreamed of playing in the Bundesliga.” He added that we wants to do “everything” to be successful for his new club.

His arrival comes just days after that of Victor Obinna, with Antonio Colak also coming in to strengthen their attacking options. Oliynyk is also reunited with former Dnipro teammate Artem Fedetsky, who joined Darmstadt a couple of weeks ago.

Quotes: SV Darmstadt 98

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